'Thank You', starring Naga Chaitanya, Raashi Khanna, Malavika Nair and Avika Gor, is set for a July 22nd release. Read on to know what director Vikram K Kumar has to say about the coming-of-age drama. He also throws light on his upcoming projects, including Naga Chaitanya's OTT debut 'Dhootha'.
The director of hits like 'Manam' also says that he has a sequel to '24' in mind. A Bollywood project is on the cards as well.
With the reckless usage of the word 'Thank you', it has lost its halo. My film 'Thank You' talks about the power of thankfulness. Being thankful to those who have helped us in our journey is paramount. Speaking for myself, I feel I didn't thank my father enough. When he is not around, I realize the value of thanking him. I owe it to him. If I am in this position today, it's because of him. Our parents may not expect 'thanks' from us, but we need to thank them!
I and Naga Chaitanya had been wanting to team up for 3-4 years. When BVS Ravi pitched 'Thank You' to us, I found the script emotionally satisfying. Had I not connected with the script so strongly, I wouldn't have directed the story written by a second person. This is not my own story. There is magic in the movie. Surely, after watching it, you will want to express gratitude.
As you know from the trailer, Chay will be seen as a 16-year-old, a 21-year-old and a 35-year-old in the movie. The story spans three phases. The entire credit for looking the part of a 16-year-old goes to Chay. He was on a strict diet regimen for 45-50 days.
Although the beats of 'Thank You' may have some resemblance to 'Autograph' and 'Premam', the story is entirely different. BVS Ravi's story is soulful. And I have narrated the story in my own way. It is rich in emotions.
A feel-good story like 'Thank You' needs the music and background score to be perfect. I have listened to Thaman's BGM for the movie and it's awesome.
Raashi Khanna made me tear up during a scene. As I watched her performance on the monitor, I was amazed by her talent. Avika Gor has been known for her excellent acting chops since long (She debuted with 'Balika Vadhu' in the Hindi TV segment). Malavika Nair is going to become more sought-after after 'Thank You'.
Although I have known Dil Raju garu since a long time, I didn't get to unite with him. My journey with Sri Venkateswara Creations has just begun. I hope it will continue.
I am doing 'Dhootha' for Amazon Prime Video and its shoot is almost over. Naga Chaitanya is debuting with this horror series on the web.
I am planning to do an action movie in Bollywood. I am also in talks with Mythri Movie Makers for a Telugu project, but it is too early days to say what it is going to be like. I have plans to complete the script for a sequel to '24'. So far, I have only penned 4 pages of ideas.
